INTO THE WOODS

A Woodland Scrapbook

Age Range: 7 - 11

Pub Date: April 30th, 1997ISBN: 0-06-026443-8Publisher: HarperCollins

A personal nature diary from Krupinski (Bluewater Journal, 1995, etc.) that includes drawings of familiar woodland plants and animals, as well as nature lore, folk tales, and observations, all in brown typeface that resembles hand- lettering. The overall effect is a charming clutter that does not always distinguish between superstition and science: ``When the woolly bear caterpillar is more black than brown, the winter will be worse. However, brown at both ends means a mild winter.'' There are few warnings, e.g., when she mentions that ``the shape of a snake's head is sometimes used to identify whether it is poisonous or not,'' she does not tell readers that if they are close enough to observe the shape of a snake's head, they may already be too close for safety. The lilac fairy (as part of an explanation of fairy rings) may be too cute for some naturalists, but others will find Krupinski's delicate approach an airy, refreshing alternative to more exacting accounts. A walk in the woods, touched by whimsy. (index) (Picture book. 7-11)